You’re finally married, congratulations! The new Mrs… wait, how do you actually become the new Mrs.? At least according to the law? Thanks to Russ Rampton and the rest of his team at the Utah County Marriage License office, it’s much easier than you think.
“The three biggest places where people need to get their name changed is with the Social Security Administration, with the Driver’s License Division, and if they have a passport.” At each of these government offices, you’ll need a certified copy of your marriage certificate to present; and luckily for you, we already have an article about how to get a copy of your marriage certificate!
A certified copy of your marriage certificate is going to have an official seal showing that your marriage was done legally and through the state of Utah (or wherever you got married). “All of those government agencies are going to be feeling for that seal. That’s how they know it’s an official government document.”
Once you have your certificate, you’re ready to change your name!
TIP: Book Your Honeymoon Traveling Under Your Maiden Name Before You Change Your Last Name in Utah
Here are a few things to keep in mind about changing your name while you’re in the midst of planning your international honeymoon—while you may be the new Mrs. according to your friends and family, the government and airlines aren’t quite caught up on your recent nuptials.
“I think it’s an important thing to note that all of these are going to involve a government office, and with the possible exception of the Utah County Marriage License, the government works slowly. So if someone has immediate travel after their wedding, if they’re going on a honeymoon, particularly if they’re going on an international honeymoon, book all of the travel in the maiden name. If you’ve got a passport in your maiden name, and if your ticket’s in your maiden name, the fact that you got married three days ago doesn’t matter; my face matches my ID, my tickets match my name, this is still me.”
“Changing your name is what you’re going to want to do after the travel when you don’t need your passport for the next couple of months.”
Another thing to keep in mind is that you don’t even have to change your last name—not if you don’t want to. “It’s tradition for women to take their husband’s name, but it’s certainly not legally required. A lot of women choose not to do it, there’s also the choice to hyphenate. I’ve even heard of more than one occasion where the man was more than happy to ditch their name and take the last name of their wife.”
It’s Easier Than You Think
The Utah County Marriage License office has a page with links and information on how to go about getting a new social security card, ID, and passport all in one place.
Your first step for getting a new social security card will be to fill out an application on their website. From there, you’ll schedule an appointment with your closest Social Security office to go in person to complete the application and provide the necessary documentation—like your new marriage certificate. Then in a few weeks, you’ll get your brand-new card in the mail!
The process of getting a new ID is similar to getting a new Social Security card. Instructions can be found on the Driver License Division website on how to get an adult replacement driver’s license. You’ll fill out an application online, schedule an appointment, and visit your local DLD for a new photo and to take an eye test.
We all know how ID photos can turn out so feel free to make a stop at one of our UVB-preferred makeup artists before your appointment. You know, for peace of mind.
When it comes to getting a new passport, many people will wait until their current one expires to avoid paying unnecessary fees. If you’re one of those people who need to get a new passport for your honeymoon under your maiden name, don’t stress! If your name change occurred within the last year, and the passport was issued less than a year ago, you can apply for a new passport in the new name with no additional fees (unless you’re paying for expedited services). You’ll mail in your old one and get a new passport in the mail after that! The U.S. Department of State website has additional information and instructions on how to get a new passport.
Where Else Do You Need to Do to Change Your Last Name in Utah?
The process for changing your name in other places will depend on where it is you want to update your information. Places like your school, work, bank, Netflix account, and more will be different from each other and vary in their levels of necessary documentation. It may seem overwhelming but have no fear! It’’s easiest to ask directly how to update your name.
“Your name is in so many places, but most of these other kinds of non-government places are usually not as picky. But you’re going to want to ask them directly.” Some places will want to see a copy of your marriage certificate, and others will just need to see an updated ID.
More information can be found on the Utah County Marriage License website, along with more info on how to apply for your marriage license in the first place.
We know how excited you are about becoming the new Mrs. What better way to celebrate than making it official?
